2011 Giro d'Italia with 409 kilometers of climbing

The riders have been kind with their opinions of next year's Giro d'Italia, surprisingly so considering that it's without question the most difficult Grand Tour in many, many years. Team management and media have shown themselves a bit more forthcoming in their opinions on next year's lap of Italy. Net Nieuwsblad goes so far as to call it a "circus" and accuses Angelo Zomegnan of "understanding nothing of the lessons of the human face of modern racing."

Sean Yates was just as forthcoming: "If you want to win the Tour, you stay away from Italy," said the former racer to Het Nieuwsblad.

Zomegnan defends his actions though: "There are 409 kilometers of ascent out 3496. It all depends on how you place the climbs. We are not going to race downhill. The climbs are mandatory difficulties," said a firm Giro d'Italia director in today's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

After the Giro presentation on Saturday, Zomegnan was quick to bat away criticisms of a ruthless, inhumane Giro when he spoke with Het Nieuwsblad.

The route is without question arguably the most magnificent course produced in years for the climbers. Every climber the world over should be licking his chops in excitement - and they are.

Tour de France Green Jersey winner, Alessandro Petacchi, wasn't too perturbed with the route, saying he sees seven sprint finishes "if we're lucky." The elder sprinter is not too pleased with yet another Giro defined by not only mountains, but very long transfers: "There are too many transfers," says the native of La Spezia.

Zomegnan does ask for the patience of the riders in the transfers, but is once again unapologetic.

"We ask that the riders make a very special sacrifice, and we apologize in advance. It was not easy to reconcile the demands of a Grand Tour that will visit seventeen regions and 62 provinces. However, these transfers cannot be an excuse - an excuse to abstain from participating in the test."

While the Giro seeks to push its racers to the absolute limit in the uphill direction, and pretty much every direction conceivable, Zomegnan promises to continue the fight against doping.

"We will use an iron fist against all those who deserve it," promises the 55 year old.